The Philippines, led by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) actively participated in the recently concluded Marine Accident Investigation Forum in Asia (MAIFA) held last 19-24 September 2023 in Shanghai, China. Composed of 14 Member States in Asia, the forum aimed to enhance the safety of ships by exchanging best practices and experiences in conducting marine safety investigations.
As an archipelagic country, transportation by sea is significantly paramount in the development of the Philippines’ national economy. While shipping is considered the most economical way of transporting cargoes in volume, risk of accidents remains a challenge to the safety of life at sea and to the protection of the marine environment, highlighting the vital need to conduct safety investigation to minimize, if not to eliminate, similar recurrence of accidents in the future.
During the international forum, the MARINA was represented by Director Ronaldo P. Bandalaria and Division Chief Benedicto G. Manlapaz of the Enforcement Service. As the flag Administration, the MARINA shared the current trend and status of marine accidents in the Philippines. Likewise, the final report of the marine safety investigation involving the collision accident of two (2) foreign flagged ships in the Manila Bay was presented and discussed.
The successful event was attended not only by MAIFA members but also by representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum (MAIIF) and other international observers. The participation of Philippines in the international forum significantly conveyed the Agency’s commitment to the attainment of the plans and programs of the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP).
As a responsible member of MAIFA and IMO community, it was accepted and confirmed that the Philippines through MARINA will be hosting the MAIFA forum in Manila tentatively scheduled in September 2024. On the same note, the MARINA shall act as Chair as well as Secretariat in the event which is another major milestone for the Agency and for the country.